In Bend, it’s no secret – we love our dogs. Known as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country, Bend has earned the title of “Dog Town USA.” Whether it’s a morning run along the river trail, a paddleboard cruise down the Deschutes, or lounging on the patio of your favorite brewery, you’ll find dogs happily by their humans’ sides, soaking up the Central Oregon lifestyle.
But beneath the surface of this canine paradise is a reality we sometimes forget: dogs need more than exercise and companionship — they need purpose. A job. Though there are some breeds that are happy with a few short walks or a couple of extended trips outdoors, almost every dog needs more to be happy and healthy.
Before dogs were curled up on couches, they were working alongside us. For centuries, dogs were bred for specific tasks — from herding livestock to retrieving game to guarding property. These instincts and drives are still alive and well in our modern dogs, even if they now live in townhomes or go to doggy daycare.
And that’s where mental stimulation comes in. This is the “more” most dogs need and want in their lives to stay healthy and content.
Why Mental Stimulation Is Essential
It’s easy to think a long hike, several daily mile-long walks or a backyard romp is enough to tire out your pup. But for many dogs — especially intelligent, working breeds — physical activity alone is not enough.
Many dogs will begin to exhibit behavior issues such as barking or chewing on items while their owners are away if they are not being challenged enough. Some may even dig out of their yard or jump the fence. Sadly, every day dogs are surrendered to shelters across our country due to behavior issues that could often be prevented with regular mental and physical activity. Breeds with strong herding instincts, high intelligence and a need for purposeful work are especially at risk of being rehomed or surrendered when their needs are misunderstood or unmet.
From Instinct to Impact:
A Herder Finds Her Match
Longtime Redmond resident Sheryl Evans has spent decades training dogs—her own and others—for obedience, performance, and herding. Her passion began in 1997, when her first German Shepherd took part in an instinct test at an AKC show in Portland. “They had a small pen with sheep, and my dog just walked in and knew exactly what to do,” she recalls. That moment sparked years of training and regular trips to Washington to further explore herding.
About seven years ago, Evans was contacted by Herd U Needed a Home (HUNAH), a foster-based rescue focused on herding breeds. They had a seven-month-old Border Collie in Seattle who needed urgent placement. Evans, already known to the organization for her experience, was a natural fit.
The young dog—Claire—and her brother had been labeled “aggressive” after chasing cars and skateboards, behaviors stemming more from misdirected instinct than malice. “Claire and her brother were getting into a lot of trouble,” Evans shares. “Their owners worked with behaviorists but eventually decided they couldn’t meet the dogs’ needs.” HUNAH stepped in. Claire’s brother went to a working ranch in Northern California, and Claire came to live with Evans.
Evans waited two weeks before testing Claire’s herding instinct. “She was a natural,” Evans says. Since then, Claire has thrived—herding sheep at home, competing in trials, and even helping neighbors manage their flocks. At eight years old, she’s still doing what she loves every day.
Evans continues to train both dogs and handlers in the art of herding and even made history by training her Beagle, Dori—the first of her breed to earn a title in sheepherding. “I’m not a behaviorist,” Evans notes, “but it’s easy to see that some dogs need a job to be content and live their best life.” And sometimes, as in Claire’s case, having that job can change—or even save—a life.
Dog Sports in Central Oregon
Central Oregon offers a wealth of opportunities for dog owners to engage their pups in meaningful, instinct-driven activities. From basic obedience to high-energy sports like agility, dock diving, and scent work, skilled trainers and programs are available throughout the region.
Bend resident Patricia McKinney specializes in barn hunt and North American Sport Dog Association (NASDA) training. “We host NASDA trials every year and offer training and practice sessions,” she explains. NASDA events range from barn hunt to shed antler hunting to finding lost items, all designed to tap into dogs’ natural instincts.
“With barn hunt we specialize in dogs finding live rats,” explains McKinney. “These rats are very important to our sport and for training the dogs.” McKinney raises rats on her property and they are like spoiled pets, living in a secure air-conditioned building. For hunting, they are kept safe in well-ventilated boxes or cubes.
“We do activities that engage dogs mentally and align with what they were bred to do,” says McKinney. “I have rat terriers—they’re natural rodent hunters. It’s rewarding to see them doing something they love.”
McKinney offers one-on-one lessons on Saturdays and by appointment.
Whether you're looking to resolve behavior issues or simply offer your dog more mental stimulation, even 15 to 20 minutes of focused activity a day can be more satisfying—and tiring—than a long walk. Local trainers and community groups make it easy to get started with fun, challenging experiences that strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Benefits of mentally stimulating activities:
- Help reduce anxiety and problem behaviors like chewing, barking, or digging
- Build confidence in shy or reactive dogs
- Slow cognitive decline in aging pets
- Strengthen the dog-human bond through focused, cooperative interaction
- Give dogs a sense of purpose and fulfillment — something many breeds crave
Game On — Dog Sports That Give Dogs a Job
Whether your dog is a high-energy herder or a natural-born sniffer, there’s a dog sport designed to meet their needs and challenge their mind. Many of these are offered locally or through regional clubs and competitions: Agility ∙ Scent Work/Nosework ∙ Dock Diving ∙ Herding Trials ∙ Rally Obedience ∙ Flyball ∙ Trick Dog Titles ∙ Barn Hunt ∙ Shed Antler Hunt ∙ Tracking ∙ Therapy Work ∙ Disc Dog (frisbee) ∙ Skijoring/Bikejoring ∙ Cani-cross ∙ Dog Freestyle ∙ Dog Sledding ∙ Dog Carting
The Bottom Line
Most people already go above and beyond for their dogs. But to truly meet their needs — especially their need for purpose — it’s good to think beyond daily walks and trips to the dog park. Tap in to their instincts, and you’ll have a happier, calmer, and more fulfilled best friend. No matter the breed, even mixed breed and rescue dogs, pay attention to your dog’s behavior and play patterns and you will find clues to what makes them tick and how to fully engage their interest and satisfy their drive, whatever that may be. Remember, behind every wagging tail is a working brain.
Give your dog a job, and you’ll give them joy.
Local Resources (find many on Facebook)
- Mt. Bachelor Kennel Club
Members and their dogs engage in a variety of events and sports, including dog shows, search and rescue, scent work, barn hunt, therapy work, agility, obedience, rally and herding. MBKC.club; info@mbkc.club - Central Oregon Ratters – Patricia McKinney
Specializes in barn hunt, shed hunting, and nose work. - Herding Training – Sheryl Evans
Expert guidance and training for handlers and dogs learning herding skills. - Juniper Dog Sports – Lenore Gilbert
Offers NASDA (North American Sport Dog Association) competitions and training. JuniperDogSports.org - Cascade Dog Sports – Joleen Runk
Training and events in agility, dock diving, FAST CAT/lure coursing, and rally. CascadeDogSport.com - Central Oregon Nosework – Mia McCollins
Focused training in scent detection and nose work sports. - Desert Sage Agility Training & Facility
Agility training for all levels in a dedicated dog sports facility. DesertSage.dog - North American Sport Dog Association – NASDA.dog
Dogs need more than exercise and companionship — they need purpose.
“I’m not a behaviorist, but it’s easy to see that some dogs need a job to be content and live their best life.”
-- Sheryl Evans, Redmond resident and herding trainer for dogs and handlers